Open AIM 2.0 Gives Chatters Choice
While it is possible to chat with AIM via programs such as Pidgin and Trillian or web sites like Meebo, until now those operations were forced to hack their way into the AIM system. This limits advanced features such as voice and video chat and file transfers to the official AIM client only. It also means that at any time, AOL could have dropped a cease and desist letter on the other companies providing access. MSN and Yahoo! do the same, operating closed networks that 3rd parties must force their way into.
But now AOL will join Google in operating open instant messaging networks. This means unfettered access to one of the most popular instant messaging networks for third parties.
Slowly but surely the computing industry is moving towards open access and open source. The integration of AIM into Gmail and Google Talk is just a sign of things to come. Soon, perhaps, you won't need a separate screen name for Yahoo!, AIM, Google Talk, and MSN. Maybe you'll be able to use your Gmail address to chat with people on Yahoo!, or your AOL screen name to IM your buddies on MSN.
From TechCrunch
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